AltarnateMedia | Deconstructing

Deconstructing

There are many things called "pillars of faith," but are they really built on a firm foundation? We know the truth will always stand, but why are some things taught as truth when questioning them causes the whole church to shake?

The Prayer Jesus Taught

In this article, I will be building upon the article titled “The Prayer Paul Taught” written by Seamus McGowan, where he argues based on 1 Corinthians 11:2 that Paul taught those of the church of Corinth to pray the Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei). I highly recommend reading through his article before reading mine; however, I will do a summary of what the Amidah is and what its contents are. Click here for a link to Seamus' article, and here for an English translation of the Amida

The Shema

The Importance of the Shema The Shema is not just a prayer; it is a declaration of faith, an affirmation of allegiance to G-d, and a commitment to the path of Torah and mitzvot (commandments). It encapsulates the essence of monotheism and the intimate relationship between G-d and His people. The recitation of the Shema serves as a daily reminder of G-d's sovereignty, the duty to love and serve Him with all one's heart, soul, and might, and the importance of transmitting these

Greater than Shabbat?

Matthew 12:1-14 is a passage used most frequently by antinomians to rebuke observance of the biblical 7th day sabbath. Their understanding is that Yeshua’s words in this passage serve as a sort of diatribe against the sabbath or at the very least that Yeshua’s intent was to diminish the sabbath by comparing it to himself. This they derive from the words in verse 6 which they will insist is properly translated “Someone greater that the sabbath is here.” More on this later. T

Elohim vs The Elders?

One of the most commonly cited passages from those who oppose Oral Torah, Jewish tradition, and the notion of Yeshua as a Pharisee is found in Matthew 15. Specifically, the first handful of verses where a dispute between Yeshua and some Pharisees ensues in which these Pharisees accuse Yeshua's disciples of violating the traditions of the Elders : “Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, “Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For t

Life After Death: Lazarus, The Rich Man, and Abraham's Bosom

Joshua Perez, William Turner The story of Lazarus, the rich man, and Abraham's bosom is a text frequently cited by Christians who believe we are judged immediately after death (either going to heaven or the lake of fire), or that the dead are in a state of consciousness. The story is recorded in Luke chapter 16, where we read an interesting narrative about two men who lived very different lives. Lazarus lived a life of poverty and suffering, while the rich man lived a lavish

Three False Teachings of Yeshua?

As I have engaged in Rabbinic studies, the book Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin has been an incredible source of information on Jewish thought. The book begins at Creation and hits key points not just of the Tanakh, but even of New Testament era and on up to modern history. It is in entry 71 that Rabbi Telushkin focuses on Yeshua. The entry is titled “Jesus, The Crucifixion, Pontius Pilate, The New Testament.” In this entry, we are given the following as a statemen

What is the Holy Spirit?

Introduction Everyone who has grown up in any sort of church setting has heard of the Holy Spirit. It’s one of the most recurring and...

G-d vs Moses(Matt 19 and Divorce)

Divorce is never an easy topic to discuss. It’s a terrible thing that breaks families and relationships. Relationships are already complex enough and breaking a family apart is even more complex. Today the subject of divorce is a matter of debate at every level of society. From the secular regime to the realm of Christian philosophy and even within the Torah observant movement. Justifiable reason for divorce, the effect divorce yields on one's ability to remarry within Torah

BTS Romans: Chapter 2

Misreading Peter's Vision. (Acts 10)

I'd be willing to bet that almost everybody reading this article has, at one point or another, been told that Acts chapter 10 is one of a...

From Midrash to Manuscript

Briefly summarized, The narrative outlines an encounter Yeshua had with some Pharisees in which they brought him a woman they claimed had been caught in the act of adultery and attempted to trap him by asking what should be done with her after having explained to Yeshua that the law commands she be stoned.